Rev Dr Matthew C. Baines (BCom, BD (Hons 1), MTh (Dist), PhD)

Early Career Teaching and Research Fellow in Christian Theology

Contact details

Address

Street

School of Divinity
Mound Place

City
Edinburgh
Post code
EH1 2LX

Biography

Background

I was appointed Early Career Teaching and Research Fellow in Christian Theology in January 2025. I completed my MTh (with Distinction) and my PhD at the University of Edinburgh. I completed my BD (with First Class Honours) at Moore Theological College, Sydney. Prior to that I completed my BCom (Accounting and Finance) at the University of Sydney.

My research concerns Reformed theology, specialising in Dutch Reformed orthodoxy of the seventeenth century. My PhD thesis explored Gisbertus Voetius's (1589-1676) doctrine of participation, focusing on its scholastic and mystical sources. I argue that Voetius doctrine of participation is heavily indebted to Platonic philosophy, Augustinian theology and Franciscan spirituality. Three important foci of my research are Christian Platonism, Protestant mysticism and theological aesthetics.

Qualifications

BCom, BD (Hons 1), MTh (Dist), PhD

Undergraduate teaching

Christian Theology: Doctrines and Debates (DIVI08025)

The God(s) of the Philosophers: Proposals and Problems (DIVI08026)

Ethics and Society (DIVI08024)

 

Open to PhD supervision enquiries?

No

Research summary

My current research interests include the development of Franciscan theology and philosophy from Bonaventure (1221-1274) and John Duns Scotus (1265/66-1308) through the Renaissance to the early modern period. I am especially interested in the contribution of Scottish theologians like Scotus and John Mair (1467-1550).

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